News

NDDC Enmeshed In Reckless Award Of Contracts, Payments – Ex-NDDC Chieftain

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2020

A former Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the 2nd and 3rd board representing Cross River State, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, has decried the awards of new contracts and payments at the detriment of ongoing projects by the board and the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

Chatting with newsmen in Calabar, Cross River State capital, Ntufam Okon regretted the actions of some members of the Commission and workers, explaining that their actions have left many projects that are ongoing abandoned and uncompleted, saying, “there are these stories of bills not paid and these could only happen when we have reckless awards of contracts because there was indiscipline in the award of contracts without minding budgeting provisions.”

“It’s unfortunate that NDDC has found itself in this mess. I think what has caused this current NDDC problem is indiscipline in budgeting and project implementation. That budgeting hasn’t been realistic, the project implementation also unrealistic, we cannot be awarding new projects when the ongoing projects are not funded. New projects are being awarded at the expense of the ongoing projects, it’s regrettably that the new management team awarded new projects, paid for them and abandoned the old ones and the contractors are left frustrated.

“We don’t know what has become of the current NDDC. They have made themselves vulnerable and have become too easily influenced from inside and outside, influence from too many interested groups. Because people lobbied to be appointed and when they come in, they will be pressurized to award contract to their sponsors or godfathers,” he stated.

Sadly, on the appointment of Interim Management Committee (IMC) Ntufam Okon pointed out that it was abnormal, adding, “it is very sad that the current IMC is more than a year now in office and there is no end to it. They kept staying in the office on the excuse of Forensic auditing. Is forensic audit done by them, or it’s supposed to be done by an independent body?”

“It shouldn’t be done by them because they too ought to be audited because they are involved in awards and payment. It shouldn’t be them auditing themselves. I think forensic audit was meant to identify projects that are verifiable, that must have been executed and how much has been paid and what was outstanding.

“We didn’t have IMC in our times, what we had was that when the tenure of the old board was about to end, a very senior director would be appointed Acting Managing Director pending the appointment and screening as well as inauguration of the new board. He will work with other directors, there is no place in the NDDC law that made provision for IMC and why we use the staff was that the Commission is like a barracks, ‘soldiers go, soldiers come but barracks remain’ and it makes for continuity.

“The problem in NDDC is so bad that it came to a point that NDDC cannot know how much they owed and yet contract was still being awarded. It’s indiscipline in terms of budgeting and project implementation. When I joined NDDC during the 2nd board in 2005, the 1st board started in 2000 and lasted till the end of 2004, so we started in April 2005. One of the things we found out was the fact that every state has a budget envelope from it. You know how much your state is given because projects funding were shared in a manner that it is already approved by the board.

“It was mandatory that you apply 70% of what you have on ground, ongoing projects and the 30% of the fund was allocated for new projects; that again meant that project started have to be completed by the next board. But the problem we have today is that the new administration that comes in started with new projects awarded by them and that is why we have too many projects scattered and remained

uncompleted.

“When we arrived, the first board did award contracts before their dissolution, the bulk of these works were taken over by us. We didn’t rush into award of new contracts; we were there for almost two years before we were able to make any award.

“If the trend is not addressed whereby projects that are ongoing are given priority and completed and taken out, we will continue to have the indiscipline in project funding. As soon as somebody arrives, they are thinking about how to award new projects,” he stressed.

From Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

News

RSG Woos Investors As PHCCIMA Unveils Port Harcourt Int’l Trade Fair

Published

22 hours ago

November 22, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Government has urged investors to invest in the state, saying that Rivers State is currently one of the safest states in Nigeria for business.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Warisenibo, Joe Johnson, stated this during the unveiling of the 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair 2025 Logo at the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) office, in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

He said that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s administration would use the platform to dismantle lingering negative perceptions about the State and assured investors of the rebirth of a conducive business environment.

The Commissioner said that Gov. Fubara had demonstrated commitment in transforming Rivers State from an oil independent economy to a diversified economy.

“Our key intervention include the need to streamline business registration through the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) plus infrastructure upgrade across Port Harcourt Eleme, Etche, Oyibo, Ogba Egbema, Ndoni and Khana to link industrial zone partnering with development agency to boost small and medium scale enterprises.

“Gov. Siminalayi Fubara leadership in the State is a turning point in the economic trajectory of Rivers State”, he said.

The Commissioner reacted to complaints of government’s failure many years ago to release the 10,000 hectares of land to the CBN-backed Oil Palm Growers Scheme, saying he would liaise with his counterpart in Ministry of Agriculture to find out about the promise before speaking on it.

He said this is because Gov. Fubara does not promise and fail.

Speaking before the unveiling the logo for the International Trade Fair, the President of PHCCIMA, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, said that the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair is back and that Rivers State is open, safe and good for business.

She said that the theme for this year trade fair is “Growing Through Innovation and Sustainability: Bridging Markets and Encouraging Disruptions.”

She said the trade fair would commerce from December 12 to 22, 2025, at the Obi Wali International Conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Dr. Nwoga emphasised that survival in the contemporary economy demands rapid adoption of technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

“To run a successful business today, you must innovate relentlessly, embrace technology, and operate on a global stage.

“The fair aims to attract a diverse constellation of participants, multinational exhibitors, diplomats, federal and state agencies, research institutions, manufacturers, trade associations, professional bodies, and the general public.

“Beyond networking and investment matchmaking, the event will double as a pre-Christmas shopping festival, with exhibitors offering substantial discounts to families.

“The 25 trade groups of PHCCIMA cutting across diverse sectors will also be active, conducting seminars.

“A notable innovation this year is the dedicated showcase by Rivers State’s 23 Local Government Areas, each presenting its unique products, agricultural produce, and economic potential.

“From the emerging blue economy opportunities to cutting-edge innovations in the oil and gas sector—still the heartbeat of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry—the fair promises to spotlight untapped prospects across multiple sectors.

“Government presence at the logo unveiling underscores the administration’s renewed commitment”, she said.

Earlier, the Director General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, expressed excitement to be part of the unveiling.

The DG of RSIPA, traced the history of Rivers State and said the present administration was determined to bring back fleeing businesses.

He said progress had been made and not all businesses were lost, pointing out that NLNG and Renaissance are still in Port Harcourt.

The DG promised assured that the administration would definitely look into the grievances of land owners whose Certificates of Occupancies (C of Os) have been held up because of the emergency rule, and speed up the processes so they too would know that Rivers State is back to business.

In his speech, a former President of PHCCIMA, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji expressed happiness that the state government came fully to back the trade fair.

Dr. Membere-Otaji who is now the first National Deputy President of Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industries Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said that the private sector is getting signals that good things are ahead in the State

He advised the governor to strive more to bring back fleeing businesses.

News

MAN Tasks Rivers, Bayelsa On Blue Economy

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2025

The Tide

The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.

The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.

The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.

It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.

The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).

The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.

“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”

It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”

The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’

In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.

He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.

He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.

The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.

In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”

Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.

He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.

News

NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Portal

Published

5 days ago

November 19, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.

The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.

In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.

The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.

“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.

This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.